Better Physical Fitness Improves Children’s Brains

IN YOUR DAILY DOSE: today is research demonstrating children who are physically fit may have more gray matter.

MAKING CHANGES: Helping you and your child make decisions that improve your physical fitness.

FACT OR FICTION: The smallest bird is tiny and the fastest is faster than a Cheetah. You’ll be surprised by these quick facts about birds.

In The News

Using imaging techniques, researchers have found children who are physically fit have independent areas of their brain that are larger that are associated with cardiovascular and cognitive performance. The areas affected are linked to executive functioning, such as learning, motor and visual processing. The results are part of a larger project, aimed at answering questions about the differences in the function of brains in children who are physically fit and those who are obese.

Physical fitness affects the overall health and wellness of children and adults - in a positive way.

Making Changes

It is important to create an environment at home where physical fitness is valued and appreciated in order to encourage your children to engage in activities that help them to reduce their potential for obesity, improve their cardiovascular health and reduce their potential for Type 2 diabetes, heart attack and stroke. Physically active individuals have a lower incidence of depression and better overall cognitive performance too.

The best way to engage your children in activity is to do it yourself. Plan events that encourage movement as a family, such as hiking, biking, rowing, basketball, soccer or walking each day after dinner.

Daily Affirmation

I trust my body during a difficult workout. I understand my body's limitations during a workout. I trust my body and listen to it while I exercise. I trust my training plan while I work out.

Fact or Fiction?

The smallest bird is tiny and the fastest is faster than a Cheetah. You’ll be surprised by these quick facts about birds.

Birds are great pets for kids. Most live more than 5 years and some of the larger parrots can live up to 80 years. All birds have feathers, wings, lay eggs and are warm blooded. The Ostrich is the largest bird and has the fastest maximum running speed of 97 kph and the Bee Hummingbird is the smallest with a length of just 2 inches. Birds have hollow bones to lighten the load as the fly. However, some birds, like chickens and Kiwis, don’t fly. Some birds will actually create and use tools in their environment.